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101-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Returns Merit, Dies Post-Protest

5/12/2026

43 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

He returned his Federal Cross of Merit in 2025 to protest an immigration motion backed by the AfD.
He died in his sleep on May 12, 2025, at age 101 in Leer, Germany.
He and his two siblings survived Auschwitz at age 18, while over 40 family members perished in the Holocaust.
President Steinmeier honored his work for freedom and democracy, calling the award return a reminder to protect democratic values.

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Story summary

He returned his Federal Cross of Merit in 2025 to protest an immigration motion backed by the AfD.
He died in his sleep on May 12, 2025, at age 101 in Leer, Germany.
He and his two siblings survived Auschwitz at age 18, while over 40 family members perished in the Holocaust.
President Steinmeier honored his work for freedom and democracy, calling the award return a reminder to protect democratic values.